Arby's Loaded Potato Bites Recipe
There’s something irresistibly addictive about Arby’s loaded potato bites-those golden, crispy rounds topped with melted cheese, smoky bacon, and all the fixings. The good news? You don’t need to hit the drive-thru to satisfy that craving. This copycat Arby’s loaded potato bites recipe brings all the comfort of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes or 2 lbs baby potatoes sliced into ¼ to ½ inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil for baking or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning dash of cayenne, or 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4-6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This temperature ensures crispy edges while keeping the centers tender.
- Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash your russet or baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Slice them into even ½-inch rounds or chunks-consistency is key for uniform cooking. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is the secret to achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
- Step 3: Season Generously
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato slices with olive oil. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Step 4: Arrange and Bake
- Spread the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap or crowd-this allows hot air to circulate and creates crispy edges. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 15-20 minute mark, until they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
- Step 5: Add the Toppings
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Working quickly while the potatoes are hot, top each piece with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the top. The residual heat will start melting the cheese immediately.
- Step 6: Melt the Cheese
- Return the loaded potato bites to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For extra golden, crispy cheese edges, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to a serving platter with a bowl of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor experience.